Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!  Our entire team at Thomas Family Dentistry sends out its warmest wishes to all of our patients, friends and family.

Our Broken Arrow office will be closed until January 1st and will re-open Tuesday, January 2nd, 2013 at 7:00AM.

Be safe and may you enjoy this special time of year!

God Bless,
DRT

Santa's Milk And Cookies: The Dental Connection!

Did you know that the milk and cookies that are left out for Santa have more of a dental connection than you may know!  A recent study found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). 

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth.  Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember that with each bite, and every sip, you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

Happy Holidays!
God Bless,
DRT

Christmas Treats: The Dental Connection!

Everyone at Thomas Family Dentistry knows that maintaining a healthy diet over the holiday season can prove a difficult task.  After all, who can resist the tasty treats of Christmas?  With grandma and everybody else offering you candy, chocolates or Christmas cookies, it's hard to say "I'll pass" each time!  Unfortunately, every time you indulge in a Christmas treat, the bacteria in your mouth feast on the sugar as well.  The sugar turns into acid, which can dissolve the enamel on your teeth! As an alternative, try nuts and dried fruits, which can satisfy your sweet tooth, be a great source of fiber, an appetite suppressant and boost your immune system.

If you must indulge in chocolaty goodness this Christmas season, remember to brush your teeth after eating these sugary treats!  If you have a dental question, give us a call at 918-455-0123!

Have a great Holiday Season!

God Bless,
DRT

Season's Greetings!

The holiday season is once again upon us, and as our entire team at Thomas Family Dentistry reflect on the year that was, we'd like to ask you, our valued patients: What's your favorite part about the holidays? Being with your loved ones?  A clean slate for 2013?  Opening presents by the fireplace?  All the delicious holiday foods? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

As we celebrate the Holidays with our family and friends, stay warm and never forget the true reason for the season--Jesus!

God Bless,
DRT

Make Your Smile Sparkle This Season!

With the Holiday Season in full swing, the halls are "decked" and the trees are "trimmed", making everything sparkle and bright!  Why not also make your smile sparkle this season?  However, with so many toothpastes and mouthwashes aimed at giving you a brighter smile, it can be hard to know what product is the best to whiten your teeth. In-home products can help reduce stains from coffee, tobacco, tea, wine and other heavily pigmented foods, but they will not dramatically change the color of the teeth.

So what is the answer?  One of the methods we offer at Thomas Family Dentistry is professional custom whitening trays.  These are an easy way to whiten all of your teeth and allow you more control of the whitening process.  Once we create your trays in the office, the whitening kit can be used at home with the included custom whitening gel.  And the best part is that now through December 31st, you can achieve this method of whitening at an extremely affordable price for you or someone on your Christmas list with a gift certificate!

To learn more, call our office at 918-455-0123!

Happy Holidays!
God Bless,
DRT

Tis The Season!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, our entire team at Thomas Family Dentistry pause to count our many blessings.  We are thankful that this season allows many of us to spend time with our family members that we may otherwise not be able to see that often. Opening presents by the fireplace, preparing and enjoying those delicious, traditional family foods, and reminiscing with those we love are just a few of the things that make this season so special. 

As 2013 approaches, let each one of us commit to successfully achieving the goals that we so often set for ourselves, yet quickly lay aside.  With God's blessings, may this New Year bring health, peace, and prosperity to each one of us!


God Bless,
DRT

Holiday Stress: The Dental Connection!

With the Holiday Season in full swing, many people feel a rise in the level of stress.  Excess stress may give you a headache, stomach ache, or just a feeling of being "on edge." But did you know that too much stress could also be doing a number on your teeth, gums, and overall health.

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in stress and anxiety related to the economy.  We at Thomas Family Dentistry care about your dental health and wanted you to be aware of the possible dental side effects related to stress.  The potential fallout from stress and anxiety that can affect your oral health includes:

• Mouth sores, including canker sores and cold sores
• Clenching of teeth and teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Poor oral hygiene and unhealthy eating routines
• Periodontal (gum) disease or worsening of existing periodontal disease

If you have any additional questions related to stress and your oral health, please give us a call at 918-455-0123.  Don't let this year's holidays stress you out, but remember to pause and reflect on the true meaning and spirit of the holiday season! 

God Bless,

DRT

Flex Spending: The Dental Connection!

Our entire staff at Thomas Family Dentistry would like to give those patients with flex spend, health savings, or insurance benefits a friendly end of the year reminder that it's time to schedule your dental visit so that you may optimize your benefits. Also, now is the time that most employers require you to make next year's health contributions.

Please call our Broken Arrow office at your convenience to make an appointment.  If you have used all of your insurance benefits or do not have dental insurance at this time, we will create a plan to help you achieve your dental needs.  Space is limited and we tend to get busy around the holiday season, so don't wait to give us a call at 918-455-0123!  We want you to have the best dental care and the healthiest teeth while getting the most out of your insurance benefits.

God Bless,
DRT

Holiday Gift Ideas: The Dental Connection!

Good Morning!

With the start of December and Christmas only a few weeks away, our entire team at Thomas Family Dentistry are hoping that you are enjoying the hustle and bustle of the holidays! Black Friday was a little crazy and Cyber Monday appealed to the "techie" in us all!  Looking for that special gift idea? Why not give the gift of teeth whitening this year! To make it even easier to keep your smile sparkling during this Holiday season, we currently have a "whitening special" that everyone on your Christmas list will enjoy!

We work hard to provide all of our valued patients with the best dental care, flexible payments, and a comfortable atmosphere!  Call our office at 918-455-0123 to check out all of our dental services, including the "gift" of teeth whitening!

God Bless,
DRT

Use Or Lose: The Dental Connection!

The year is quickly coming to an end and with the busyness of the Holidays, we at Thomas Family Dentistry would like to give those patients with flex spending, health savings, or insurance benefits, a friendly end of the year reminder that it's time to schedule your last dental visit of 2012 so that you can optimize your benefits!

We attempt to accommodate all of our valued patient's busy schedules, but space is limited!  So don't wait, give us a call today at 918-455-0123 for an appointment!
Happy Holidays!

God Bless,
DRT

Happy Thanksgiving!

We at Thomas Family Dentistry want to extend each and every one of our patients a heartfelt note of thanks for being a part of our dental family.  We truly have the greatest patients!  May you enjoy a day that is filled with friends, family and great food.

We always love to stay connected with our patients through Facebook and our entire team are interested in your Thanksgiving Day stories, traditions, photos or recipes! Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

God Bless,
DRT

A Season Of Thanks!

Fall is here and as the leaves are changing colors, the air is becoming crisper, and families head off to celebrate Thanksgiving, I was reminded that the Pilgrims first celebrated Thanksgiving in 1621!  Although it wasn't until 1863 that President Lincoln made Thanksgiving an official day of thanks, our American ancestors have always paused each year to give thanks!

May we also continue to follow in their footsteps and be grateful and thankful for all of our blessings, not just because of a national holiday, but because God has truly bestowed His favor upon our great country!

God Bless,
DRT

Press Release: 2012 IAD Award Recipient

Dr. Thomas was selected by the International Association of Dentists as a Top Dentist In Broken Arrow!  The IAD highlights and profiles the world's Top Dentists!  The Association selects health care providers that have demonstrated success and leadership in their profession!

Our goal and commitment at Thomas Family Dentistry is to provide each of our valued patients with excellent dental care! "I am very honored and blessed to be selected".  If you have any dental questions or are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Holidays: Not The Same Ole' Grind: The Dental Connection!

Did you know that there is an increase in clenching and grinding during the Holiday Season!  Teeth grinding is not just a bad habit but it is a dental concern.  Many people are completely unaware that they are grinding their teeth while they sleep. Sleep studies have shown that 90% of participates that were actively clenching their teeth while asleep, had NO conscience recollection of the event.

According to the American Dental Association, at least 10% of Americans actively grind their teeth nightly.  From young children to the elderly, teeth grinding, known in the dental community as "bruxism", can be a serious dental concern.  Although many patients do not have any dental discomfort from bruxism, others report pain in their jaw, neck, shoulders and head.  Tender teeth, receding gums and unexplained chips, cracks or breaks in teeth or fillings are other commonly reported problems related to clenching and grinding.

Contributing Factors

• Childhood Habit
• Gastro-esophageal Issues
• Stress
• Anxiety

Solutions

• Protective Nightguard
• Stress Management
• Medications And Muscle Relaxers

During your examination at our office, we evaluate each patient for the signs of clenching and grinding and can determine what course of treatment is best for you!  As the Holiday Season quickly approaches, remember to take time and enjoy this special time of the year and don't let "busyness and stress" damage your teeth and smile!  If you have any questions about your dental health, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

November & Diabetes Awareness Month: The Dental Connection!

With November, comes the start of the much anticipated 2012 Holiday Season, but November also marks Diabetes Awareness Month, and a great time to learn about how keeping your mouth healthy is vital to your overall health, too. If you are one of the nearly 26 million Americans currently living with diabetes, there is some good news: you can protect your gums and teeth from the effects of diabetes by visiting our Broken Arrow office for regular check-ups and cleanings.  Most people should have at least two dental appointments per year, but patients living with diabetes may require additional visits to make sure that their dental health remains in top shape.  Many insurance plans provide expanded benefits for diabetic patients.  In order to maintain your dental health, We can recommend how often you need to come in for your dental visits.

For more information on how we can help, please give our office a call at 918-455-0123 or ask us on Facebook!

God Bless,
DRT

Pumpkins: Fun Facts!

Since Fall is one of the most fun times of the year, the entire team at Thomas Family Dentistry decided to share some fun facts about an iconic part of the Fall season.  Read on to learn something new about the pumpkin!

• Pumpkins are a fruit that originated in Central America.
• The name "pumpkin" comes from a Greek word meaning a large melon.
• 90% of the pumpkin is water.
• Pumpkin vine flowers are edible.
• Illinois grows more pumpkins than any other state.
• The world's heaviest pumpkin weighed 1,810.5 lbs.

From trimming the house to the delicious pumpkin pie, may you enjoy this year's Fall Harvest time as the "pumpkin" takes center stage!

God Bless,

DRT

Tricked by Treats: The Dental Connection!

For the parents of our patients that are concerned about their kids going overboard on candies, sugar and other sweets during this time of the year, Halloween can be a dreaded annual event.

I recently ran across an article that addressed the concerns of the overconsumption of sugar!  The National Confectioners Association estimates that 93% of children younger than 13 years of age actually went door-to-door asking for treats during Halloween.  The article states that all candy should be considered a treat, not a substitute for food with actual nutritional value. The writer further reported that "as parents, we want to make sure that kids have regular, healthy snacks so that they are not getting hungry and going for candy."

If you indulge in Halloween candy this season, our entire team at Thomas Family Dentistry encourages you to limit them and increase your brushing activities to prevent a "scary" dental check-up at your next visit! If you have any questions or are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,
DRT

Halloween: Keeping Your Kid's Teeth Healthy!

We at Thomas Family Dentistry want to help keep children's teeth cavity free during this season of abundant candy!  Below, we have some great tips for those Halloween treats that your child may be collecting this upcoming holiday.

• Sort Through The Candy.  Remove any candy that your kids really don't like.  Once their favorite candy is gone, kids will usually move on to their not so favorite ones-so get rid of it!  The most frightening candy to a kid's teeth is sour gummy candy. Not only is it sugary and sticky, but the sour flavoring is acidic, which is the worst combination for anyone's teeth.  Kids with braces need to remove these orthodontic nightmares from their pile, which consists of caramels, hard candy, bubblegum, taffy, licorice, candy apples and popcorn.

• Vanishing Act.  Kid's love to keep their Halloween candy and goodies in their bedroom.  This is a big NO-NO.  Grazing on candy all day and before bedtime is a cavity waiting to happen.  Keep candy where parents can keep an eye on it.

• Spread It Out.  Take Halloween candy and put it in smaller bags giving it to kids weekly.  They can prolong the Halloween holiday and not have so much candy at once.

• No Halloween Candy In School Lunch Boxes.  Kids usually get enough sugar at school with fruit juices and sports drinks.  Considering that the next brushing cycle will not occur until bedtime, sugar will be sitting on teeth for at least eight hours!  This can be scarier than Halloween!

Hopefully, these tips can help those of our valued patients that celebrate the Halloween season, keep their kid's teeth healthier during the busiest candy holiday of the year!  If you have any questions concerning your dental health, call us at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

The Painful Truth: The Dental Connection!

Some people experience increased tenderness throughout all of their teeth while attempting to eat or even sip colder drinks.  Take heart, a simple remedy can make your life much more bearable, at least as far as your sensitive teeth are concerned.  Many times, under stress, people find themselves clencing or grinding their teeth.  About 90% of the time, clenching or grinding is done while the person is asleep and they are completely unaware of the event!

The problem with clenching is the amount of pressure that is generated to the teeth overtime. The teeth are clenched so tightly that the pulp (nerve) within the tooth is literally "squeezed" to the limit that inflammation or pulpal irritation can occur.  At this point, the teeth can become very hypersensitive to just about anything.  The good news is that a simple bite guard or splint appliance can be fabricated to alleviate the condition!

If you have any questions about how stress can cause dental discomfort, or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Whiter Teeth: The Dental Connection!

Now that Summer is over, you realize that you never got around to getting your teeth just as white as you originally planned.  There really seems to be a seasonal bias toward people wanting to lighten or consider bleaching their teeth and Summer is definitely one of those times!  The other times seemed to be geared toward targeted events like weddings, reunions or job interviews.  The three main options for achieving a whiter, brighter smile are as follows:

• Over the counter treatment like Crest White Strips.
• Professional over night take home trays.
• Professional In-office treatment.

All of these options are graduated in typical effectiveness and the time required to achieve the desired results.  Remember, no matter what the occasion or season of the year, you can improve your smile!   If you have any questions about which treatment is best for you or are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!  

God Bless,

DRT

Celebrating National Dental Hygiene Month: Your Dental Connection!

In celebration of National Dental Hygiene Month, we at Thomas Family Dentistry wanted to highlight our great hygienists. 





Karla has been with Thomas Family Dentistry since 2001. She is dedicated to helping each of our valued patients achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Karla says "it is a wonderful blessing working with the patients and the staff here at Thomas Family Dentistry". After hours, she enjoys spending time with her husband, friends, and family. Cooking, traveling and thinking up ways her husband can improve their home rounds out the things that she loves the most!  








Deidra has worked for Thomas Family Dentistry since 2005. She has worked in the dental field since 2003. "I enjoy working for Dr. Thomas because we have a great team of professionals who all want to give our patients a great experience."  Deidra finds it rewarding to help patients feel comfortable and achieve their dental goals. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her husband and family. Her family is also very active in their church and Deidra also enjoys reading, gardening, working out, and keeping up with all of their pets!





We are very blessed to have both Karla and Deidra improving the dental health of all of our patients.  If you are in need of an appointment to have your teeth cleaned, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Benefits Of A Beautiful Smile: The Dental Connection!

Our entire team at Thomas Family Dentistry know that having an attractive smile puts a spring in your step as well as increases your overall self-confidence, no matter if you are 14 or in your late forties! Smiling not only makes people happy and puts them in a good mood, according to previous studies, smiling often and frequently can even help you live longer!

If you have been hiding your smile because of missing or discolored teeth, it is time to consider your treatment options.  You will be surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today's most advanced dental technologies can be!

Don't hide your smile any longer, call us today for a consultation at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Colder Weather & Sensitive Teeth: The Dental Connection!

As Fall approaches and colder, crisp air arrives in Oklahoma, many of our patients seem to start noticing an increase in cold sensitivity to their teeth.  Common causes of these types of thermal challenges are as follows:

• Gum recession, which exposes the root surfaces.
• Weather changes can increase the risk for sinus issues.
• Stress can increase night time clenching or grinding.

Any one or all of these conditions can lead to thermal sensitivity especially in Oklahoma where that cold "wind comes sweeping down the plains."  If you have any questions about cold sensitivity or are in need of an appointment, call our office today at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Sinus Problems/Tooth Discomfort: The Dental Connection!

There are many times that dental discomfort is often described are vague, generalized and chronic.  If nothing specific is identified and if any x-rays that are taken are uneventful, the next area of probable cause is the sinus.  The maxillary sinus is a large (usually) open space that sits right above the area of the upper bicuspids and molars.  The floor of the sinus can be quite thin and in many cases the roots of the upper teeth appear to protrude into the sinus space. Especially with the drastic weather changes that we all experience here in Oklahoma, any inflammation of the sinus from a cold, allergy or other infection can exert pressure on these roots, which in turn can cause dental sensitivity.  Usually as the sinus issues resolve, the dental discomfort will resolve as well.

If you have any questions related to sinus pressure and dental discomfort, or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,
DRT

October & National Dental Hygiene Month: The Dental Connection!

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month?  For our entire team at Thomas Family Dentistry that means only one thing: Reminding you that your teeth are an important part of your body, and keeping them clean helps to keep your mouth and body healthy.  By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting our convenient Broken Arrow office on a regular basis, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout your entire life.

We encourage you to check out the official National Dental Hygiene Month website as well, which provides many important pointers on keeping your mouth clean and healthy.   Finally, if it has been six months since your last visit, call us at 918-455-0123 for an appointment.

Keep smiling!
God Bless,
DRT

Changing Your Toothpaste: The Dental Connection!

If you have noticed that your teeth have started to feel more sensitive lately, you might initially avoid foods and drinks that seem to cause the discomfort.  For example, you may feel some discomfort with your morning coffee or while eating that cold crisp apple for your mid-afternoon snack.  Although it may be a normal reaction to avoid the things that cause discomfort, it is always better to determine the cause of the problem and take the necessary steps to improve the health and quality of your teeth.

Common Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity

• Cavity  Symptoms: Usually a sweet sensitive single tooth.  Treatment: Usually a dental restoration.
• Acidic Foods Or Drinks  Symptoms: Usually more generalized thermal discomfort.  Treatment:  Desensitizing Toothpaste.
• Cracked Tooth  Symptoms: Usually a single tooth with sharp pain.  Treatment: Usually a crown.
• Teeth Whitening Agents  Symptoms: Usually generalized thermal discomfort.  Treatment: Desensitizing Toothpaste.
• Stress  Symptoms: Usually generalized thermal or chewing pressure.  Treatment: Usually starts with a bite guard.
• Weather changes or Seasonal Allergies  Symptoms: Localized or generalized thermal sensitivity.  Treatment:  Desensitizing Toothpaste.

If you have any questions about sensitive teeth or in need of further information about desensitizing toothpastes, call our office at 918-455-0123.

God Bless, 

DRT

Not Just Kids' Stuff: The Dental Connection!

Cavities occur as a result of the destruction of tooth structure, called tooth decay. Tooth decay can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin (the inner layer of the tooth).  While it is very important to brush and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque, regular cleanings and check-ups at Thomas Family Dentistry are the best way to help avoid cavities!

Our team can discover cavities during your regular dental check-up.  When a cavity develops, the tooth surface feels soft when checked by a dental instrument called an explorer.  X-rays can also show cavities before they become visible to the eye.  In advanced stages of tooth decay, you might experience a toothache, especially after consuming sweets, hot, or cold foods or drinks. Other signs of tooth decay are visible pits or holes in the teeth.

Don't wait for a toothache!

Remember, the longer that you wait to treat a cavity, the more extensive your treatment will be.  A small cavity can be treated with a filling, while a larger cavity that weakens more of the structure of your tooth, may require a crown.  If the decay is too deep, it can affect the nerve or pulp of the tooth and cause it to die, which could result in the need for a root canal or an extraction.

If you think that you may have a cavity, contact us at 918-455-0123 to schedule an appointment.

God Bless,
DRT

Veneers: The Dental Connection!

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells made from tooth-colored material, like porcelain, designed to cover the front side of your teeth. To prepare for veneers, a unique model of your teeth will be created.  This model is sent to the cosmetic dental lab artist to create the veneers.  Before placing your new veneer, I may need to conservatively prepare your tooth to achieve the desired esthetic result.

When placed, you'll be pleased to see that veneers look like natural teeth.  While veneers are stain resistant, it is recommended that you avoid or limit coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco to maintain the beauty of your new smile.

You no longer need to hide your smile because of gaps, chips, stains, or misshapen teeth.  With veneers, you can easily correct your teeth's imperfections to help you have a more confident, beautiful smile.  Veneers are natural in appearance, and are a perfect alternative for patients wanting to make minor adjustments to the look of their smile.  To learn more about veneers, give our office a call at 918-455-0123 and schedule an appointment.

God Bless,
DRT

Back To School Checklist: The Dental Connection!

Now that school is back in session, we at Thomas Family Dentistry would like to remind all of our valued patients about the importance of scheduling regular check-ups in advance.  With school, clubs, sports and family duties to consider, it can be very challenging to find time this Fall.

Here are some tips to consider as the new school year progresses:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice daily.
• Floss at least once a day.
• Limit sugary snacks that can lead to tooth decay

In order to accommodate all of out patients' busy schedules, it is important to plan ahead for your dental appointments so that we are able to find a time that is convenient for you.  If it's time for a check-up, call us today at 918-455-0123 for an appointment.

God Bless,

DRT

Snack & Sip: The Dental Connection!

Eating habits and food choices can lead to tooth decay. Although a steady diet of sugary foods and drinks, including sports drinks, can damage teeth, even snacking throughout the day or "grazing" on healthy foods can also lead to tooth decay!

Check out the following list to reduce your risk of tooth decay.

• If you have sugary foods and drinks, have them with meals.
• Limit sugary drinks and snacks between meals.
• Chew sugarless gum that has the American Dental Association Seal.
• Drink water.
• Brush your teeth two times a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• See your dentist regularly.

Although almost all foods have some type of sugar, eating a balanced diet can help keep you from feeling tired, getting sick, being overweight, and having other health problems, like tooth decay.  If you have any questions concerning nutrition and tooth decay, feel free to call our dental office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Summer Adventures of 2012!

Although it has been another one of the Hottest Summers of recent memories, it has been a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories.  Whether you headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, hit America's open roads or just had fun in the backyard, our team at Thomas Family Dentistry would love to hear all about your favorite summertime activities.

As the summer vacation "officially" wraps up this Labor Day Weekend and everyone's focus shifts to yet another school year, we encourage you to post any stories or photos from your Summer Adventures on our Facebook wall!

Thanks for staying connected with us,

God Bless,

DRT

Sleep Apnea And Depression: The Dental Connection!

Recently, an article was published citing a link between patients that suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and depression.  The CDC, as part of an ongoing study, surveyed about 10,000 men and women and found that 6% of men and 3% of women reported having been diagnosed with some form of sleep apnea. Although the other participants in the study had not been officially diagnosed with sleep apnea, they reported symptoms of snoring, gasping for air and snorting during sleep.

An interesting link was found that suggests that while men are at a higher risk for sleep apnea than women, women were found to have reported symptoms of depression twice as frequently as men.  However, researchers found that depression was not linked just to patients with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.  People whose partners reported that they snored or stopped breathing occasionally were also more likely to show symptoms of depression.

Although the new research has not yet established a cause-and-effect relationship between sleep apnea and depression, this evidence may be the new information that can lead to a better understanding of a possible link between the two common health related issues.  There are many things that we all deal with regularly that could have roots in something else.  For more information, call our office at 918-455-0123 for an appointment.

God Bless,
DRT

Dietary Choices For A Healthy Mouth: The Dental Connection!

Most people know that visiting the dentist is an essential part of caring for their teeth. Regular checkups and cleanings are, of course, very important.  But what some people don't realize is that good dental health starts long before you get to the dentist's office.  You may be saying, "I know, it starts with my toothbrush and floss."  But actually, oral health starts at your grocery store.

Dental checkups can detect problems early on and address them, but only good nutrition can give your teeth and gums the healthy foundation that they need. If your diet is rich in tooth-friendly nutrients, you will be less prone to gum disease, tooth decay, and even jawbone loss.

So, which nutrients are the most important?  Here are a few tooth-building superstars.

• Calcium  Good sources are yogurt, cheese, milk and leafy green vegetables.
• Vitamin D  Not only is it called the "sunshine" vitamin, but also the "healthy smile" vitamin.
• Vitamin C  Not only found in oranges, but also in red and yellow peppers, and tomatoes.

Never put off regular checkups and cleanings, but in between appointments, watch your diet. Making sure these essential nutrients are a part of your daily intake will ensure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as they can be.  If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Braces & Dental Decay Prevention: The Dental Connection!

Having braces can present some new challenges when it comes to oral hygiene.  We at Thomas Family Dentistry know that preventing tooth decay can be a big challenge simply because of the tendency for braces to trap food under the wires and between the teeth and the brackets.  Here are a few tips to keep your teeth healthy while wearing your braces:

• EAT BRACES-SAFE FOODS.  Avoid hard and sticky foods.
• BRUSH PROPERLY.  Use a 45-degree angle against the gums.
• USE SPECIAL CLEANING TOOLS.  Special brushes are available at the pharmacy.
• REGULAR TEETH CLEANINGS.  Have a professional cleaning at least twice a year.

As long as you practice good oral hygiene and follow these basic tips, you should have no problem keeping your teeth from decaying while you wear braces.  If you have any other dental questions or are in need of an orthodontic referral, call our office at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,

DRT